Using this Manual
ALL STAFF AND FOSTER CARERS PLEASE NOTE:
Before proceeding to the body of the manual, please read this page which explains how the manual works.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Manager or Supervising Social Worker.
Contents
- Introduction
- Resources
- Glossary and National Contacts
- Regulatory Compliance
- Terminology
- Copyright
- Accessibility
- Printing and Retaining Copies
- Browser Recommendations
- Mobile/Tablet Compatibility
1. Introduction
This manual contains all of our key policies and procedures, listed in the Contents List.
The procedures are sub divided into several Sections e.g. Section 1: Policies, Values and Principles.
When you have read this guide, start by familiarising yourself with the Contents List and the Procedures listed under each section.
If you are unable to find a Procedure use the Search function on the left hand side of the screen or 'ctrl f' when on the Contents List.
You may also wish to consult your Manager or Supervising Social Worker.
2. Resources
This manual contains a resource section which can be accessed via the resources tab at the top of the screen. This has links to the Glossary and Contacts – see Section 3, Glossary and National Contacts below, Local Resources which is populated and maintained locally (this contains links to relevant LSCB's) and tri.x Briefings.
3. Glossary and National Contacts
The manual is accessed by readers who may find terms that they are not familiar with. Therefore, a glossary of definitions is available under the resource tab.
There is also a National Contacts resource populated with details of key national agencies and organisations likely to be relevant to procedures users.4. Regulatory Compliance
Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or omissions, please alert your Manager.
5. Terminology
Key Terms
We have used the following terms and post titles:
| Supervising Social Worker | This means the allocated, suitably qualified social worker who is responsible for supervising and supporting carers. |
| Child's Social Worker | This means the allocated social worker from the Placing Authority who is responsible for managing the child's case. |
| Placing Authority | This means the Local Authority with overall responsibility for the child's care. |
| Fostering Service | This means the service provided by the fostering agency. |
| Fostering Service Manager | This means the Registered Manager of the service provided by the fostering agency. |
| Placement Plan | This is the documentation drawn up by the child's social worker before the placement wherever possible (or where this is not possible, within 5 working days of the placement) which sets out in detail the arrangements for the child's care in the foster placement. |
These procedures use the word ‘must’ where the provision is a legal requirement. The word ‘should’ is used where the provision should be complied with but is not a legal requirement, such as where it is taken from non-statutory government guidance or accepted good practice.
6. Copyright
The content of this website can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. Content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of tri.x and the fostering agency.
7. Accessibility
This website aims to achieve Double-A conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in accordance with government guidelines. In order to change font size or manual colour use the highlighted Accessibility button at the top right hand corner of any page.
8. Printing and Retaining Copies
The manual is intended to be viewed on line to ensure only the most up-to-date version of procedures are being used. It will be updated regularly so, in the unlikely event there is a requirement for hard copies they should be destroyed after 72 hours.
9. Browser Recommendations
It is recommended that this manual is viewed with the latest browsers, with JavaScript and cookies enabled for maximum compatibility and functionality.
Recommended browsers are:
- Internet Explorer 11 (Windows 7, 8 and 8.1);
- Microsoft Edge (Windows 10);
- Google Chrome;
- Mozilla Firefox;
- Apple Safari.
10. Mobile/Tablet Compatibility
This manual has been tested on a variety of mobile devices to ensure that it displays correctly. However, if you find that you still cannot use the site select the 'mobile' option at the bottom of the screen. If you are using an older mobile device it is possible that the manual will not display correctly.
If you would like the text to be larger, resize the text under the accessibility options, alternatively if you would also like the buttons and the rest of the layout to be enlarged you can use the zoom function within your browser.
The majority of devices have the functionality to allow a shortcut to be downloaded to the home screen by loading the site using the 'url' and using the upload function and tapping 'Add to Home Screen'. The functionality may vary between devices, please refer to the manufacturer's instructions.